Visited Matcha Fest at SM Mall of Asia last month with friends! Check out Nagomi Matcha's cat-themed drinks, adorable cup portraits, and my photos from this cute matcha experience in Manila.
Matcha, cute cats, and a little cup portrait? Definitely my kind of afternoon!
Last August, I dropped by Matcha Fest at SM Mall of Asia (MOA), and while there were plenty of matcha booths to check out, Nagomi Matcha was one we simply couldn't pass up.
What caught our attention wasn't just the matcha drinks, but their adorable cat-themed concept. They actually draw a portrait of you right on your cup! As someone who loves cute things, this was easily one of the highlights of our visit.
It was a fun little stop, especially if you're a matcha lover, a cat person, or both.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Matcha Fest at MOA
- Nagomi Matcha: The Cat-Themed Matcha Booth
- Matcha Fest Highlights
- How to Get to SM Mall of Asia
- Tips for First-Time Visitors
QUICK FACTS:
| Event | Matcha Fest |
| Featured booth | Nagomi Matcha |
| Location | SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines |
| Visit | August 11, 2026 |
| What to expect | Matcha drinks, cat-themed branding, personalized cup portraits |
| Best for | Matcha lovers, cat lovers, and anyone who enjoys cute food experiences |
Nagomi Matcha: The Cat-Themed Matcha Booth
The moment we got to the Matcha Fest area, I spotted Nagomi Matcha, the cat-themed setup (featuring Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service), which immediately caught my attention.
As a crazy (for) cat(s) lady, I'm always drawn to anything with cat designs, so naturally, this was one of the booths I wanted to check out. The combination of matcha and cats was already adorable, but the personalized cup portraits made it even more fun because they draw your portrait right there and then!
Nagomi Matcha's booth had a menu of matcha drinks to choose from, and I loved how the whole concept carried through from the drinks to the branding. I got myself a Matcha Hojicha, and it was amazing.
We got to enjoy our matcha while having these adorable cups as a little keepsake from the event.
I think this is such a fun idea, especially for people who enjoy collecting cute cafe moments or taking photos of their food and drinks. It's a simple thing, but it makes the usual matcha run feel a little more special.
What I liked about getting matcha from them was that it wasn't just about getting a matcha drink. There was a little personal touch that made the experience more memorable.
So if you're a matcha lover or a cat person, I can see why this booth would catch your eye, too.
Matcha Fest Highlights
One of my favorite things about Matcha Fest at MOA was that it wasn't just about the drinks. Almost every booth had its own stickers and cute collectibles, so there were plenty of little things to check out aside from ordering matcha.
There's also a separate area where you can shop for Matcha Fest merchandise and stickers. If you're into collecting cute freebies, stationery, or matcha-themed souvenirs, you'll probably want to set aside some time (and budget!) for this part.
So many matcha choices, so little space!
I was pretty satisfied with the number and variety of merchants at the event. There were so many different drinks to choose from, which made exploring the booths part of the fun.
My only comment? The space could definitely have been bigger.
We visited on a Tuesday, and it was still quite packed! I can only imagine how busy it gets during the weekend. With so many people checking out the booths, ordering drinks, and browsing the merchandise, moving around could get a little challenging.
The event was clearly popular, too. We even spotted a few familiar faces, including Enzo Pineda and his girlfriend!
Overall, Matcha Fest was a fun experience for matcha lovers, especially if you enjoy discovering new drinks, collecting cute merch, and exploring different local brands. Just be prepared for the crowds, even if you visit on a weekday.
How to Get to Matcha Fest at SM Mall of Asia
Here's some practical information if you're visiting for the first time.
SM Mall of Asia
Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila
SM Mall of Asia is located in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, along Manila Bay. It's a major shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, with event spaces that host pop-ups and festivals.
By public transportation
- From EDSA or Taft Avenue, you can take a connecting bus or jeepney toward MOA.
- The EDSA Carousel also has a stop serving the Mall of Asia area.
- From PITX, check the current bus or jeepney routes serving MOA before traveling.
Routes and schedules can change, so use a navigation app to check your route on the day of your visit.
By car or ride-hailing
You can set your destination to SM Mall of Asia on Google Maps or your preferred ride-hailing app. The complex has parking facilities, although traffic and parking availability can vary during major events.
One tip: MOA is a huge complex, so check the event's official announcements or booth directory to confirm the exact location of a festival before heading there.
Tips for Visiting Matcha Fest & Similar Pop-Ups
1. Check the event dates and booth lineup.
Matcha Fest was the event we visited last month. Festival schedules and participating booths can change, so check the latest announcements before making a special trip.
2. Go with time to explore.
MOA has plenty of dining and shopping options, so you can easily combine a festival visit with a meal or a little mall stroll.
3. Check the booth menu before ordering.
If you're visiting Nagomi Matcha for the first time, take a look at the available matcha drinks and ask the staff about their cup portrait experience, including whether it is available with every order or subject to specific conditions.
4. Bring cash, just in case.
While e-wallets and bank transfers are widely accepted, connectivity may be limited due to the number of attendees. Bring cash to avoid stalling the line.
5. Take photos, but enjoy the experience, too.
I love documenting food trips, but the best part of this booth was the little personalized detail. Don't forget to enjoy your drink after getting those photos!
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My Take
Matcha Fest at MOA was a fun little food trip, but Nagomi Matcha was definitely the booth that stood out to me. I enjoyed my drink and the personalized touch on my cup. And of course, CATS.
Between the matcha drinks, the adorable cat theme, and the personalized cup portraits, it was such a cute experience. It's one of those small discoveries that makes exploring food festivals worth it.
If you're a matcha lover or a cat person, keep an eye out for Nagomi Matcha at future events!
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